Warren High electronic sign approved

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Updated: January 8, 2012 1:15AM

Warren Township High School will finally get its cherished electronic LED sign to publicize its school and community activities at its O’Plaine Campus.

The Village Board had a change of heart from last month when the issue first surfaced and Mayor Kristina Kovarik broke a 3-3 tie by supporting a no-vote of the Plan Commission and voted against it.

The issue was brought up again Monday night as a motion to reconsider by Trustee Steve Park who had opposed the measure at the Oct. 17 board meeting. Village Attorney Bryan Winter indicated that the motion was in order.

The issue stemmed around the school seeking a special-use permit from the village to allow a changeable electronic LED sign to be built on the school’s front yard only 12 feet from busy North O’Plaine Road.

Warren High Principal Jeff Brierton and Facilities Manager Kevin Lieb said this would benefit both students, faculty and the community by publicizing the school’s various activities. The senior class was donating funds for the project, Brierton said.

However, Park, who voted against it, along with Cheryl Ross and Hank Schwarz, were concerned about the constantly flashing LED messages that could distract motorists driving along the roadway, as well as become a nighttime nuisance to nearby residents.

The issue was unanimously resolved when Park, Ross and Schwarz agreed to a compromise that flashing sign text remain intact for at least a 15-minute period, rather than changing every 10 minutes.

Trustees decided they would review the situation again in six months for any suggested changes.